Dynamic Reversible Multi-Cross Section Universal Modular Driveline Coupler

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and method for an improved driveline coupler having a reversible saddle thereon which allows it to be configured to work with different sizes and shapes of shafts. The reversible saddle is configured on one side to work with one size of driveline shaft and configured on the opposite side to work with a different size driveline shaft so that in the field, an operator can modify the driveline coupler from use with a first size of drive shaft to a second size of drive shaft easily and quickly by turning the saddle upside down.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the invention

The present invention relates generally to driveline couplers forconnecting drive train components, and more particularly, is concernedwith a driveline coupler having a reversible saddle for operation withdifferent sizes and shapes of drive shafts.

Description of the Related Art

Devices relevant to the present invention have been described in therelated art; however, none of the related art devices disclose theunique features of the present invention.

In U.S. Pat. No. 8,257,184 dated Sep. 4, 2012, Cordes, et al., discloseda driveline coupler including an insert member along with a center pin;however, this driveline coupler is not adapted to work with nor does itdisclose a reversible saddle. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,755,363 dated Jun. 29,2004, Weatherl, et al., disclosed a high torque driveline coupler in thenature of a split coupler including a rounded body member for matinginto a receptacle of a PUC-like member, however, this driveline couplerwas not adapted to work with nor does it disclose a reversible saddle.In U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,862 dated Jan. 11, 2005, Daniel disclosed auniversal coupler for agricultural drive systems with an adjustableclamping hub; however, this driveline coupler is not adapted to workwith nor does it disclose a reversible saddle. In U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2001/0025894 dated Oct. 4, 2001, Weatherl,et al., disclosed a high torque driveline coupler in the nature of asplit coupler including a rounded body member for mating into areceptacle: of a PUC-like member, however, this driveline coupler is notadapted to work with nor does it disclose a reversible saddle. In U.S.Pat. No. 9,022,872 dated May 5, 2015, Daniel disclosed a drive shaftcoupling mechanism; however, this drive shaft coupler is not adapted towork with nor does it disclose a reversible saddle. n U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2004/0121843 dated Jun. 24, 2004, Danieldisclosed a universal coupler for agricultural drive systems with anadjustable clamping hub; however, this coupler is not adapted to workwith nor does it disclose a reversible saddle. In U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0228133 dated Aug. 14, 2014, Daniel, etal., disclosed a drive shaft coupling mechanism; however, this coupleris not adapted to work with nor does it disclose a reversible saddle. InGreat Britain. Patent Application No. GB418,541 dated Nov. 25, 1933,Mollart, et al., disclosed an improvement related to universal joints;however, this universal joint is not adapted to work with nor does itdisclose a reversible saddle. In China Patent No. CN 2010105657893Adated Nov. 30, 2010, an unknown inventor disclosed a universal joint;however, it is not adapted to work with nor does it disclose areversible saddle. Furthermore, none of the related art disclosesmodularity of the device.

While these devices may be suitable for the purposes for which they weredesigned, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the presentinvention as hereinafter described. As will be shown by way ofexplanation and drawings, the present invention works in a novel mannerand differently from the related art.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention discloses an improved driveline coupler having areversible saddle thereon which allows the driveline coupler to beconfigured to work with different sizes and shapes of drive shafts,including square shafts and round shafts. The reversible saddle isconfigured on one side to work with one size of driveline shaft andconfigured on the opposite side to work with a different size drivelineshaft so that, in the field, an operator can modify the drivelinecoupler of the present invention from use with a first size of driveshaft to a second size of drive shaft easily and quickly by simplyreversing the saddle, i.e., by turning it over. The reversibleconfiguration, as opposed to a one sided design also provides fora widerrange of sizes and configurations.

An object of the present invention is to provide a driveline couplerwhich utilizes a reversible saddle for operation with round and squareshafts and other types of shafts. A further object of the presentinvention is to provide a driveline coupler having a reversible saddlefor use with different sizes of square round and triangular shafts (from¾″ to 1- 3/16″) in size while also being compatible with a one inchround shaft. A further object of the present invention is to provide adriveline coupler which utilizes a reversible saddle that can act as thesacrificial component within the driveline coupler if the driveline isoverloaded. A further object of the present invention is to provide adriveline coupler which can be more easily used in the field foradaptation to various sizes of drive shafts. A further object of thepresent invention is to provide a driveline coupler which can be moreeasily interchangeable with spare parts from other types and brands ofdriveline couplers, A further object of the present invention is toprovide a driveline coupler which can be easily operated by a user. Afurther object of the present invention is to provide a drivelinecoupler which can be relatively easily and inexpensively manufactured.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear front thedescription to follow. In the description reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shownby way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention maybe practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detailto enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it isto be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and thatstructural changes may be made without departing from the scope of theinvention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference charactersdesignate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best definedby the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now bedescribed, by way of example, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention shown in operativeconnection on a sprinkler irrigation system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first end of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second end of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a right end view of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a left end view of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the present invention taken fromFIG. 5 as indicated.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one side of the saddle of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective of a second side of the saddle of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the saddle of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the saddle of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the saddle of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an end view of the saddle of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a first end of the second embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a second end of the second embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 19 is top view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 21 is a right end view of the second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 22 is a left end view of the second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of the second embodiment of thepresent invention taken front FIG. 19 as indicated.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a first end of a third embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a first end of a third embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a second end of the second embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a side view of FIG. 2 showing the second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a first end of a fourth embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a second end of a fourth embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a first end of the fifth embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a second end of the fifth embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 33 is a side view of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a bottom view of the fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 35 is a side view at the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a right end view of the fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 37 is a left end view of the fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 38 is a cross sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the presentinvention taken from FIG. 35 as indicated.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a first end of a driveline couplerrelated to the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a second end of a driveline couplerrelated to the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a first end of a driveline couplerrelated to the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a second end of a driveline couplerrelated to the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a first end of a driveline couplerrelated to the present invention.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a second end of a driveline couplerrelated to the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

With regard to reference numerals used, the following numbering is usedthroughout the drawings.

10 present invention

10 a alternate embodiment of present invention

10b alternate embodiment of present invention

10c alternate embodiment of present invention

10d alternate embodiment of present invention

11a driveline coupler

11b driveline coupler

11c driveline coupler

12 sprinkler irrigation system

14 water irrigation conduit

16 water piping and delivery system

18 support tower

20 supporting wheel assemblies

22 drive motor

24 first drive shaft

26 second drive shaft

28 first output shaft

30 second output shaft

32 center sear box

33 leg

34 round load arm

35 retainer bolt

36 nut

37 leg

38 square load arm

39 base portion of load arm

40 reversible saddle

41 integrated saddle

42 bolt

43 nut

44 Polyurethane Coupler (PUC)/insert member

45 central portion

46 first side of reversible saddle

47 arm

48 second side of reversible saddle

49 opening

50 body of driveline coupler

52 PUC centering protrusion (variable size?)

54 receptacle for RUC centering protrusion

56 center pin

57 nut

58 grooves

60 semi-circular cutout

62 aperture

64 recess

66 recess

68 projection

70 angular surface

72 projection

74 angular surface

75 indention

76 recess

78 bolt pad

80 round shaft

82 square shaft

84 spit load arm

86 first split load arm member

88 second split load arm member

90 threaded fastener

92 nut

94 side flange

96 side flange

98 recess

100 recess

DETAILED DESCREPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBOD1MENT(S)

The following discussion describes in detail at least one embodiment ofthe present invention. This discussion should not be construed, however,as limiting the present invention to the particular embodimentsdescribed herein since practitioners skilled in the art will recognizenumerous other embodiments as well. For a definition of the completescope of the invention the reader is directed to the appended claims.FIGS. 1 through 44 illustrate the present invention wherein an improveddriveline coupler is disclosed and which is generally indicated byreference number 10.

Turning to FIG. 1, therein is shown the present invention 10 being adriveline coupler which is used as a part of a sprinkler irrigationsystem 12 which includes a water irrigation conduit 14 which deliverswater to a water piping and delivery system 16 for application to, e.g.,an agricultural crop which would be disposed underneath the water pipingand delivery system. The sprinkler irrigation system 12 is carried by apair of support towers 18 (in a field operation the system 12 couldinclude several support towers 18, e.g., four) which are transported ona pair of ground contacting supporting wheel assemblies 20 which movethe sprinkler irrigation system 12 from one location to anotherlocation. The wheel assemblies 20 are powered by a drive motor 22 whichis commonly electrically operated and which drives the wheels 20 throughfirst and second drive shafts 24, 26 which are connected to outputshafts 28 and 30 of a center gearbox 32 by a first and second drivelinecoupler 10 designed according to the teachings of the present invention.

Turning to FIGS. 2-9, therein is shown a first embodiment of the presentinvention 10 being a driveline coupler. Turning more specifically toFIG. 2, therein is shown a driveline coupler designed according to theteachings of the present invention 10, having a round load arm 34 on oneend which includes a ⅜ inch (bolt size can vary depending on regionalavailability, such as metric equivalent or substitute) nut 36 withmating retainer bolt 35, and, on the other end a square load arm 38along with a reversible saddle 40 adaptable for use with round, square¾″ to 1″, triangular, and octagonal drive shaft cross sections. Saddle40 is joined together by a bolt 42 with mating ⅜ inch nut 43; and, baseportion 39 of the load arms is also shown. (All dimensions provided inthis application for component parts such as nuts and bolts areapproximate). The reversible saddle 40 and base portion 39 togethercontain an opening 49 for receiving a shaft so that the saddle 40 iscircumferentially contractible about the shaft. The present inventioncould be called a dynamic reversible multi-cross section universalmodular coupler. Other cross sections such as octagonal could also beused with the present invention. Also shown is a Polyurethane Coupler(PUC) or insert member 44 between the two load arms 34,38. The drivelinecoupler of the present invention 10 provides a universal design whichallows it to work with a 1″ (nominal dimension) round shaft along withsquare shafts sized ¾ inch, ⅞ inch, and sizes up to 1- 3/16″. Also,larger sizes such as 1- 3/16″ (of about 30 mm) or even larger sizes canalso be envisioned for high speed, or continuous move, and/or largersystems or applications requiring more shaft torque load, handlingcapacity. One skilled in the art would understand that shaft sizes orshapes can he scaled larger or smaller to accommodate otherapplications. Also, one skilled in the art would understand that thepresent invention 10 provides a modular platform allowing for multipleshaft configurations, sizes, cross sections, and retrofitable with othercompatible load arms and PUCs. The present invention 10 also allows foreasy interchange with or retrofitting with other type saddles and otherparts from other brands of driveline couplers which might be found inthe field. Note that the driveline coupler of the present invention 10uses no shims, i.e., it is shimless, so that it can be more easilychanged from operation with one size of square shaft to a second size ofsquare shaft and also including multiple sizes and cross sections ofdrive shafts, while maintaining axial or non-axial alignment of theinput and output shafts secured on either side of the coupler.Additionally, it is also envisioned that the modularity of the inventionwould allow the use of two round load arms 34, to be used in conjunctionon one side of the drivetrain mounting as shown in FIG. 31. Turning morespecifically to FIG. 3, therein is shown on one end of the presentinvention 10 the round load arm 34 with the retainer bolt 35 and matingnut 36. On the other end is shown the square load arm 3$, saddle 40, andbolt 42 and mating nut 43. PUC 44 is also shown between the two loadarms 34,38. Also shown is opening 49.

A retainer bolt 35 is the preferred bolt to use with the presentinvention 10 because they have a short portion immediately beneath thehead formed into a square section, i.e., a carriage style bolt, whichmakes the bolt self locking when placed through a square hole in amating metal piece which allows the nut 36 to be installed with only asingle tool working from only one side of bolt 35. Additionally, thecoupler is preassembled and utilizes a limited number of larger bolts,making them easier to handle, harder to drop, and easier to find if theyare dropped. This makes the job of changing parts of the presentinvention 10 in the field easier because only one tool is needed tocomplete the job. The retainer bolt 35 passes through a mating aperturein the shaft so that the shaft is secured and thereby prevented fromrotation within the load arm.

The square load arm 38 of the present invention 10, as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 5 for example, is somewhat elongated to allow forpositioning of the drive shaft within the square load arm because in thefield the length of the drive shaft cannot be readily modified and thusthe driveline coupler must be adaptable to fit on and cooperate withvarious lengths and types of drive shafts so that it will functioncorrectly under a variety of field conditions. The inside surface ofsquare load arm 38 is also provided. with grooves 58 for receiving anedge of a square drive shaft so that the drive shaft is secured insidethe load arm.

Turning to FIGS. 10-15, therein is shown a reversible saddle 40 designedaccording to the teachings of the present invention 10. FIG. 10 showsone side 46 on top while FIG. 11 shows the opposite side 48 on top. Whenside 46 of the reversible saddle 40 is oriented inwardly on thedriveline coupler of present invention 10 as illustrated in FIG. 2, itcan accept square shafts of a first size and when the reversible saddle40 is flipped over so that the opposite side 48 is oriented inwardly onthe driveline coupler it is sized so as to allow it to accept a secondsize of square shaft and also including multiple shaft sizes andcross-sections up to 1- 3/16″. Simply flipping the saddle 40 over allowsit to operate with different sizes of square drive shafts. Side 48 hasgrooves 58 provided which generally form a recess 64 formed by a pair ofopposite, mating projections 68 having mating inwardly disposed angularsurfaces 70 thereon which allow it to be adjustably sized to fit a rangeof sizes of square and triangular shafts. These surfaces may alsoincorporate scallops, arcs, curvatures, and/or other shape augmentationsto better accommodate multiple safe sizes and configurations, asillustrated in FIG. 32, item 100. Side 46 has a semi-circular cutoutarea 60 (which reduces the load concentration) provided which generallyform a recess 66 formed by a pair of opposite, mating projections 72having mating inwardly disposed angular surfaces 74 thereon which allowit to be adjustably sized to fit a range of different sizes of squareand triangular shafts. Each projection 68, 72 has a small recess 76provided for allowing room for placement of a nut on a mating boltpassing through aperture 62. A plurality of apertures 62 are provided toreceive through bolts to attach the saddle 40 to a driveline coupler ofthe present invention 10. In order to build a saddle 40 so as to workwith any particular size of square shaft, the height/length of anddistance between the mating pairs of projections 68, 72 is varied alongwith the angle of the angular surfaces 70, 74. The areas 78 on eitherend of saddle 40 are sometimes referred to as bolt pads 78 and thedistance between them could also be adjusted for changing the size ofthe saddle to fit different sizes of drive shafts. FIG. 12 also showsoptional indentions or scallops 75 disposed on angular surface 74 ofprojections 72 (indentions could also be placed on projections 68 at thediscretion of a user) wherein the surface is relieved by having part ofthe surface be cut-away with indentions/scallops so as to better fit toa round shaft.

Turning to FIGS. 16-23, and more specifically to FIG. 16, therein isshown a second embodiment 10 a of the present invention including areversible saddle 40, the bolt 42 having nut 43 thereon along with thebody 50 which includes a PUC 44 disposed between the round load arm 34and the square load arm end 38. Turning to FIG. 23, embodiment 10 a ofthe present invention includes a PUC centering protrusion 52 which is abump-like protrusion, which may be referred to as a ball and socket,mounted on one or both of the load arms 34, 38 of the present inventionso that it centers, i.e., aligns, and secures the PUC 44 between theload arms. The protrusions 52 can be varied in size and shape. The PUCcentering protrusion 52 is designed to fit into a mating receptacle 54formed into the PUC 44 and may include an optional center pin 56 withmating nut 57 which may or may not be included in the alternativeembodiment 10a. FIG. 16 also shows the orientation of a ¾″ square shaft82 within the opening of the square load arm 38 with recess 66 (see FIG.12) of saddle 40 turned away from the opening of the square load arm 38.Other previously disclosed elements may also shown.

Turning to FIGS. 24-25, therein is shown a third embodiment of thepresent invention 10 b having a square load arm 38 on each end forreceiving drive shafts. It can be seen that a round shaft 80 can beplaced in a square load arm 38 so that the angular surfaces 74 of theprojections 72 contact the outer surface of the round shaft 80 so as tosecure the round shaft within the square load arm. Also shown is aretainer bolt 35 to assist in further securing the round shaft 80 inround load arm 34. A reversible saddle 40 is shown on each end of thepresent invention 10 b. Other previously disclosed elements are alsoshown.

Turning to FIGS. 26-27, therein is shown the second embodiment of thepresent invention 10 a having a square load arm 38 on one end and around load arm 34 on the other end and also showing round shaft 80 andsquare shaft 82 placed within the corresponding load arm. Also shown isa retainer bolt 35 with mating nut 36. One skilled in the art wouldunderstand that saddle 40 cooperates with the load arm 34, 38 tocompletely encircle and secure a drive shaft 80, 82 to the load arm.Also shown in FIG. 26 is square shaft 82 which illustrates theorientation of a ⅞″ square shaft within the opening of the square loadarm 38 with the recess 66 of saddle 40 turned toward the opening. Otherpreviously disclosed elements are also shown.

Turning to FIGS. 28-30, therein is shown a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention 10 c having a square load arm 38 on one end and around load long load arm 34 on the other end and including a retainerbolt 35 and mating nut 36 on each load arm. Turning more specifically toFIG. 30, also shown is a PUC centering protrusion 52 which has beenpreviously disclosed relative to FIG. 23 which aligns and secures thePUC 44 between the load arms. The PUC centering protrusion 52 isdesigned to fit into a mating receptacle 54 formed into the PUC 44 andmay include an optional center pin 56 passing through a mating internalaperture which pin may or may not be included. Other previouslydisclosed elements are also shown.

Turning to FIGS. 31-38, and more specifically to FIG. 31-32, therein isshown a fifth embodiment 10 d of the present invention having a squareload arm 38 on one end and a split load arm 84 on the other end. Thesplit load arm 84 has first and second load arm members 86, 88 adaptedto be joined together by a plurality, e.g., four, threaded fasteners 90extending, through apertures in side flanges 94, 96. A recess 98, 100 isprovided in each split load arm 84 which is complimentarily sized andshaped to receive a side of the shaft on which the load arm 84 issecured; a retainer bolt 35 with mating nut 36 is also shown. Inoperation, the first and second load arms 86, 88 are positioned oneither side of a shaft with the end of the shaft positioned within therecesses 98, 100 so that the load arm 84 can be clamped tightly to theshaft by the threaded fastener 90. Also shown are the reversible saddle40 with bolt 42 and nut 43, and, retainer bolt 35 and nut 36 thereonalong with the body 50 which includes a PUC 44 disposed between thesplit load arm end 84 and the square load arm end 38. Other previouslydisclosed elements may also be shown.

Turning to FIGS. 39-40, therein is shown a driveline coupler 11 a havinga two-piece design including a round load arm 34 and a square load arm38 having an integrated saddle 41. This driveline coupler 11 a isdissimilar to the preferred embodiment and can only be used on two offour couplers, or on a complete tower driveline, or with an expandabledriveshaft. Other previously disclosed elements are also shown.

Turning to FIGS. 41-42, therein is shown a driveline coupler 11 b havinga two-piece design. This design is similar to the design shown in FIGS.39-40, however, it includes a retention bolt 35 on the round load arm 34and on the square load arm 38 of the driveline coupler. Other previouslydisclosed elements are also shown.

Turning to FIGS. 43-44, therein is shown a driveline coupler 11 c havinga two-piece including a square load arm 38 on each end of the drivelinecoupler. The square load arm 38 can be used with round or square shafts.Again, this is not the preferred embodiment and can only be used on twoof four couplers, on the complete tower driveline, or with an expandabledriveshaft. Other previously disclosed elements are also shown.

FIGS. 39 through 44 are including in this application as a contrast tothe present invention in order to demonstrate that the present inventionuses a smaller number of aluminum components (2), and required load armconfigurations (1) versus, e.g., the driveline coupler illustrated inFIGS. 43-44.

It should be clear that the present invention 10 can be built orconfigured into various embodiments because the round or square loadarms 34, 38 can he combined with various other aspects of the inventionincluding, e.g., the reversible saddle 40, the retainer bolt 35, the PUCcentering protrusion 52, the center pin 56, the round shaft 80, orsquare shaft 82. Many embodiments could be designed by a user withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. For example, some of theconfigurations follow a through hole could be added onto the square loadarm to allow a retainer bolt to pass through for retention of a rounddrive shaft; using a round load arm or square load arm with one saddle,or, with two saddles; using a split load arm; using a through hole for aretainer bolt for securing round or square shafts; using other driveshaft shapes, e.g., triangular, thereby making the present inventionuniversal and modular; and, extending the modularity to using othertypes or brands of saddles.

The PUC 44 of the present invention is expected to be made of anelastomeric engineering grade thermoplasitic, such as polyetheurethane,which is a non-hydroscopic material and being uniform in make-up. PUCs44 may also be made of hydroscopic polyurethane or other similarengineering grade thermoplastic, or rubber. PUCs 44, being made ofelastomeric material, serve as a shock absorbing material between theload arms of the present invention particularly on startup of theirrigation system. PUCs 44, along with the load arms 34, 38 and saddle40, are considered a breakable, or fusible link in the drive train ofthe present invention.

An advantage of the reversible saddle 40 of the present invention isthat no shims are required in order for it to fit onto an up to 1 inchsquare (or triangular) drive shaft which makes changing shafts in thefield much easier. The present invention is also expected to be made ofaluminum although any material that would be considered suitable to oneskilled in the art could be used. The reversible saddle 40 is designedto permit it to support and be tightened around a shaft as the saddle isgenerally shaped to fit around the object, i,e., shaft, held therein andis circumferentially contractible around a shaft as it is configured tofit partially around a shaft just as the base 39 is configured to fitpartially around the shaft within opening 49.

In summary and by reference to FIGS. 1-44, as would be understood by oneskilled in the art, the present invention 10 discloses a drivelinecoupler having first and second load arms 34, 38, which have sometimesbeen referred to as yoke assemblies in the prior art. One of the loadarms is expected to be connected to an output shaft 28, 30 from agearbox 32 or motor 22 and the other load arm would normally beconnected to a driveshaft 26, 28 of an irrigation system 12 asillustrated in FIG. 1. Each of the load arms 34, 38 has an opening 49and a base portion 39 configured for connection to an output shaft ordriveshaft and a pair of legs 33, 37, which have sometimes been referredto as being U-shaped in the prior art, wherein the legs extend away fromthe base portion so that the legs define a generally U-shaped memberconfigured so that an open side of the U-shaped member faces axiallyaway from the base portion as can be seen in, for example, FIGS. 2, 3,9, and 23. The base portion 39 is a bulky area located generally betweenthe end of the load arm where the drive shaft is inserted and the legs33, 37. The legs are oriented with respect to each other so that theyoverlap each other being intermeshed; and the load arms may also bejoined together by a center pin 56 with mating nut 57. When thedriveline coupler of the present invention 10 is attached to a driveshaft, as illustrated in FIG. 1 for example, as would be done in thestandard manner by one skilled in the art, the legs 33, 37 overlap eachother and cooperate with each other so that when one drive shaft isrotated axially then the other drive shaft is rotated axially inresponse thereto. A PUC 44, which may have been referred to in the priorart as an insert member or shock absorber, is disposed between theoverlapping legs of the first and second load arms 34, 38 for operationas disclosed elsewhere in this patent application wherein the PUC has acentral portion 45 and a plurality of arms 47, e.g., four, extendingradially from the center portion.

I claim:
 1. A driveline coupler for a sprinkler irrigation system,comprising: a) a first load arm disposed on a first end of saiddriveline coupler for connection to a first shaft; b) a second load armdisposed on a second end of said driveline coupler for connection to asecond shaft; c) a reversible saddle mounted on a portion of at leastone of either said first or second load arm; d) wherein said reversiblesaddle has an upper side and a lower side, wherein said upper side issized for a first size of either said first or second shaft and saidlower side is sized for a second size of either said first or secondshaft; and e) wherein when said reversible saddle is turned upside downit can be used with different sizes and shapes of drive shafts.
 2. Thedriveline coupler of claim 1, wherein either said first or second shaftis selected from the group consisting of a round shaft, a rectangularshaft, a triangular shaft, and a octagonal shaft.
 3. The drivelinecoupler of claim 1, wherein said reversible saddle has a hole thereincapable of receiving a retainer bolt.
 4. The driveline coupler of claim3, further comprising a retainer bolt disposed in said hole.
 5. Thedriveline coupler of claim 3, further comprising a center pin disposedin at least one of either said first or second load arm.
 6. Thedriveline coupler of claim 1, further comprising a PUC disposed betweensaid first and second load arms, said PUC being made of materialdesigned to absorb shock between said first and second load arms duringstartup of said sprinkler irrigation system.
 7. The driveline coupler ofclaim 6, further comprising a centering protrusion mounted on at leastone of said first and second load arms.
 8. The driveline coupler ofclaim 1, wherein said driveline coupling is shimless to permit saiddriveline coupler to be more easily configured to accommodate driveshafts of differing shapes and sizes.
 9. The driveline coupler of claim1, wherein said reversible saddle further comprises a pair ofprojections each having an angular surface thereon to accommodate driveshafts of differing shapes and sizes.
 10. A driveline coupler for asprinkler irrigation system, comprising: a) a first load arm disposed onone end of said driveline coupler for receiving an output drive shaftfrom a source of power and a second load arm disposed on an opposite endof said driveline coupler for delivering power to a wheel drive shaft ofa wheel assembly of said sprinkler irrigation system; b) said first loadarm having an opening for receiving said output drive shaft from saidsource of power, c) said second load arm having an opening for receivingsaid wheel drive shaft; d) a reversible saddle mounted on a portion ofat least one said openings of either said first or second load arm; e)wherein said reversible saddle has an upper side and a lower side,wherein said upper side is sized for a first size of either said firstor second shaft and said lower side is sized for a second size of eithersaid first or second shaft; and f) wherein when said reversible saddleis turned upside down it can be used with different sizes and shapes ofdrive shafts.
 13. The driveline coupler of claim 10, wherein either saidoutput drive shaft or said wheel drive shaft is selected from the groupconsisting of a round shaft, a rectangular shaft, a triangular shaft,and a octagonal shaft.
 12. A method for assembling a driveline couplerfor a sprinkler irrigation system, comprising the steps of: a) providinga first load arm on a first end of the driveline coupler for connectionto a first shaft; b) providing a second load arm on a second end of thedriveline coupler for connection to a second shaft; c) mounting areversible saddle on a portion of at least one of either the first orsecond load arm; d) providing an upper side and a lower side on thereversible saddle, wherein the upper side is sized for a first size ofeither the first or second shaft and the lower side is sized for asecond size of either the first or second shaft; and e) turning, thereversible saddle upside down so that it can be used with differentsizes and shapes of drive shafts.
 13. The method of claim 12, whereineither the first or second shaft is selected from the group consistingof a round shaft, a rectangular shaft, a triangular shaft, and aoctagonal shaft.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the reversiblesaddle has a hole therein capable of receiving a retainer bolt.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising the step of providing a retainerbolt disposed in the hole.
 16. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising the step of providing a center pin disposed in at least oneof either the first or second load arm.
 17. The method of claim 12,further comprising the step of providing a PUC disposed between thefirst and second load arms, the PUC being made of material designed toabsorb shock between the first and second load arms during startup ofthe sprinkler irrigation system.
 18. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising the step of providing a centering protrusion mounted on atleast one of the first and second load arms.
 19. The method of claim 12,wherein the driveline coupling is shimless to permit the drivelinecoupler to be more easily configured to accommodate drive shafts ofdiffering shapes and sizes while maintaining axial alignment of thefirst and second shafts.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein thereversible saddle thither comprises a pair of projections each having anangular surface thereon to accommodate drive shafts of differing shapesand sizes.
 21. The method of claim 12, wherein the driveline coupler ismodular to permit it to accommodate multiple configurations of the firstand second load arms including retrofitting with nonreversible saddleload arms and integrated saddle with integrated saddle configurations.